The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has released nearly Php 5 billion in cash assistance to around one million public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide as part of government efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the distribution of Php 5,000 each to beneficiaries under the cash relief assistance (CRA) program is nearing completion, with the first round targeted to be finished by April 30.
Gatchalian on Monday inspected a payout for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers at the Quezon City Elevated Promenade in Quezon Memorial Circle, where about 1,300 drivers received assistance.
He noted that around one million PUV drivers have already benefited from the initial rollout.
The agency is also preparing to shift to digital payouts in succeeding rounds, using e-wallet systems after validating data gathered from the first phase of distribution.
“Now that our confidence is high and we have validated the first round, we will start doing e-wallet transfers in the next rounds,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD is also studying the possibility of extending similar assistance to other vulnerable sectors affected by high fuel prices, which have been partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Officials said assessments are ongoing to determine which groups may qualify for additional support programs.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency is reviewing issues encountered during recent payout operations, including those conducted for various transport groups in Metro Manila.
She said lessons from earlier distributions will be used to improve upcoming payouts, including a planned rollout for motorcycle taxi and delivery riders.
“All issues, whether in the process or at payout sites, are being studied and assessed so these will not be repeated in succeeding distributions,” Dumlao said.
Separately, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the government’s Service Contracting Program (SCP) and fare discount scheme at the Araneta City Bus Port in Quezon City.
He was joined by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) officials, and other government representatives.
The SCP provides subsidies to jeepney, UV Express, and bus operators in exchange for continued service operations, compliance with routes, and implementation of discounted fares.
Under the program, commuters receive a 20-percent fare discount, while senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students may receive up to 40 percent combined discounts.
The government said the initiative is intended to help transport operators cope with high fuel prices while easing the financial burden on commuters.
Marcos said government assistance programs will continue as long as fuel prices remain elevated, with authorities exploring additional measures to support both drivers and passengers.
“Whatever adjustments are needed, we will continue doing them to ease the burden on our people,” he said.